Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in producing healthy red blood cells and maintaining the nervous system. If the body is not receiving enough B12 and is unable to absorb it accurately, deficiency can develop slowly and may eventually lead to deterioration of blood cells, nerves, and other body functions.
The tricky thing about vitamin B12 deficiency is that its symptoms appear at first sight to be unrelated to a nutritional deficiency. You may be tired, feel pins and needles, or have difficulty concentrating. Some people have B12 deficiency and not anaemia.
Here are seven signs women should be aware of.
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1. Persistent Fatigue And Low Energy
A long night’s sleep is common, but persistent or unusual fatigue can be one of the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.
B12 is required for the formation of healthy red blood cells and could lead to megaloblastic anaemia (tiredness, weakness, and lack of energy). Other signs of anaemia may include pale skin, headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
But fatigue is indeed very common and likely due to many other causes (such as iron deficiency, poor sleep, and stress) as well. So it is not proof of B12 deficiency by itself.
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2. Tingling Or Numbness In The Hands And Feet
A more prominent warning sign may be pins and needles, tingling, or numbness (especially in the hands and feet).
Vitamin B12 is important for healthy nerves. A deficiency can trigger nervous system disturbances and/or neurological symptoms. The problem can occur even in the absence of anaemia.
Instead of being attributed to vitamin deficiency, they are a symptom of healthcare professionals having too much stress in their patients needing treatment or lack of vitamin.
3. Pale Skin Or Changes In Skin Colour
Paler-than-usual skin can also occur when vitamin B12 deficiency causes anaemia.
The condition affects the production of red blood cells, and reduced healthy red blood cells can contribute to pallor. The NIH also lists pale skin among symptoms associated with vitamin B12-deficiency anaemia.
Pale skin, however, can have many causes. A medical assessment and proper blood tests are needed to determine if there is B12 deficiency.
4. A Sore Or Red Tongue
Changes in the tongue and mouth can also occur.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause glossitis, when the tongue gets inflamed and can appear smooth, red, or sore. Mouth ulcers can also happen. The NHS describes a sore or red tongue and mouth ulcers as symptoms of B12 or folate deficiency.
Such symptoms can be uncomfortable and often present themselves before someone can identify that there is an underlying nutritional problem.
5. Memory Or Concentration Problems
Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or what people say is “brain fog” can also occur when vitamin B12 deficiency is present.
B12 is essential for normal nervous system function. The NIH cites problems with memory, understanding, and judgement as potential symptoms. The NIH also says that confusion, slower thinking, and memory loss can occur in B12-deficiency anaemia.
Because of the many factors involved with concentration and memory, such as stress, lack of sleep, and other medical conditions, these symptoms cannot be sufficient to establish a B12 deficiency.
6. Balance Problems Or Muscle Weakness
B12 deficiency can cause neurological symptoms to be more noticeable as the disease progresses.
Some people may develop muscle weakness, problems with balance, or difficulty coordinating movements. The NHS lists muscle weakness and problems with balance and coordination among neurological symptoms linked to B12 deficiency.
These symptoms are, of course, of the highest importance to doctors, particularly when they occur in addition to numbness or tingling.
7. Mood Changes
Changes in mood can also occur in people with vitamin B12 deficiency.
Medical advice lists psychological symptoms, including depression or anxiety, as potential effects of B12 deficiency.
That’s not to say that feeling low or anxious does not indicate vitamin deficiency. Mental health symptoms have many possible causes, and persistent changes should be addressed with a healthcare professional.
Who May Be More At Risk Of B12 Deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can occur for different reasons. A diet containing few or no animal-derived foods can increase the risk if fortified foods or supplements are not used. B12 absorption problems can also happen because of certain stomach or intestinal conditions and previous gastrointestinal surgery.
Some medicines can also affect B12 levels. The NHS lists metformin and proton pump inhibitors among medicines that can cause lower B12 levels.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are also periods when nutritional needs need particular attention. NIH guidance states B12 deficiency during pregnancy can have consequences for the mother and developing baby.
When Should You Get Tested?
The symptoms of B12 deficiency can develop gradually and overlap with other conditions. Therefore, symptoms alone cannot confirm that someone has a deficiency.
If fatigue, numbness, tingling, weakness, mouth or tongue changes, balance, or cognitive changes persist without an obvious explanation, it is worth speaking with a healthcare professional. B12 deficiency can generally be diagnosed by symptoms and blood tests, but additional tests are necessary in order to know the cause.
This is especially important when neurological symptoms are present. Untreated B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage, and some neurological complications may become irreversible if treatment is delayed.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is treatable, but the treatment should be based on why the deficiency has occurred. Thus, it is better not to have supplements based solely on symptoms and to find a cause.
Note that this article is for general readership and not for medical diagnosis or for individual medical advice.
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